JP2015512087A - System and method for on-demand customization of vehicle tires at point of sale - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system for custom manufacturing on-demand vehicle tires at a point of sale is disclosed. At the point of sale (56, 58, 59, 60, 62), the tires (202) and tire treads (102), which are separately manufactured to improve certain performance characteristics, are assembled into a final customized tire. I will provide a. [Selection] Figure 3

Description

  Pneumatic vehicle tires are used in many forms of vehicles such as trucks, buses, construction vehicles and passenger cars. Modern pneumatic vehicle tires are built with many components that are integrated when forming an uncured green tire. As shown in FIG. 1, the basic structure of a pneumatic tire may include a crown area 10 (where a tread is disposed), a sidewall area 20, and a bead area 30. The crown area 10 may comprise a plurality of separate components such as a steel belt 12, a nylon cap ply 14, a tread 16, and the like. The tread 16 may also have an associated subtread 17 and undertread 18. The sidewall area 20 may include a multilayer body ply 22, an inner liner 24, and a rubber sidewall 26, among other components. The bead area 30 may comprise a steel bead bundle 32, a bead filler 34, a body ply 22 and an abrasion rubber strip 36.

  New vehicle tires are usually built by a manufacturing process that is carried out in a single manufacturing plant. Generally, a green tire is assembled by assembling the above-described parts without performing a curing process and a vulcanizing process. In that case, the green tire is placed in a mold and vulcanized or cured using heat and pressure. This process joins the tire components together. New completed tires are generally received from tire manufacturing plants from original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) vehicle manufacturers, wholesale collection and delivery centers, tire wholesalers, repair shops, and other points of sale. sale).

  Because different parts of the tire are built to different thicknesses using different materials, the curing process can affect different parts of the tire differently. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the sidewall area 20 is thinner than the crown area 10. When the tire is cured, the side wall area may be overcured, but the crown area may be insufficiently cured. Deviations from the desired state of effect in this manner can adversely affect tire durability, rolling resistance and other performance characteristics.

  In addition, tires are large items that can require large inventory space, and there are numerous different tire types and models. Point of sale facilities must store large quantities of tires to ensure that customers have a wide range of tire options they can hope for, resulting in equipment for inventory management and storage of stock tires. Investment will increase. Large fluctuations in inventory maintained by point-of-sale facilities can lead to additional costs associated with discarding old tires. As a tire goes through time in stock, the tire may lose some of its performance capabilities. A tire has only a certain amount of time, or “shelf life”, at which the tire retains or is close to its original performance capability. Thus, if a tire store owner has timed inventory, he may have to sell the timed inventory at a discounted price and / or discard old tires.

  US 2009/0203278 is directed to a donut-shaped body support provided for a pneumatic cover. The body support has a rim, side walls, and a flat zone as a base for the tread. The body is finished without a tread and covered by a layer of removable spun yarn having a width wider than the width of the flat zone to form the side edges to aid removal. Includes surrounding flat zones.

  U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0183812 is directed to a universal body support for a pneumatic tread presented as a finished part for adjusting and applying any type of tread. The universal body support comprises a talon wing and a flat area that presents a bearing area and no tread. The tread has a base layer coated with an elastomeric layer and is protected from oxidation and contaminants by a film made of removable plastic material or by a layer of woven yarn.

  There continues to be a system and method in the art for making tires in a manner that allows ready customization of the tire so that the tire can function according to the desired performance characteristics of the customer. is necessary. Further, the art continues to need systems and methods for manufacturing tires in a manner that helps reduce the inefficiencies associated with maintaining a large inventory of tires at point of sale facilities. It is said that.

  In one embodiment, a system for manufacturing tires at a point of sale facility is described. Tire casing inventory of a plurality of different types of tire casings is stored at the point of sale facility. A tire tread inventory of a plurality of different types of tire treads is stored at the point of sale facility. A tire building apparatus is disposed at a point-of-sale facility to produce a new finished tire having at least one predetermined tire characteristic and the selected type of tire casing and the selected type of tire tread. And is adapted to combine.

  In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing tires on demand at a point of sale base is described. Maintain tire casing inventory of multiple different types of tire casings at the point of sale base. Maintain a tire tread inventory of several different types of tire treads at the point of sale. Receive customer tire selection information at the point of sale. The customer tire selection information includes tire characteristics. Upon receipt of the customer information, tire assembly is performed at the point of sale to produce a new tire having tire characteristics from a combination of a tread and casing including a selected type of tire tread and a selected type of tire casing. Operate the device.

  In yet another embodiment, a method for manufacturing on-demand customized tires at a point of sale is described. Maintain tire casing inventory of multiple different types of tire casings at the point of sale base. Maintain tire tread inventory for several different types of tire treads at the point of sale. At the point of sale, customer tire selection information, such as at least one selected rating corresponding to the performance characteristics of the tire, is received. Based on the at least one selected rating, a particular type of tire casing is selected from the plurality of types of tire casings, and a particular type of tire tread is selected from the plurality of types of tire tread. A tire is assembled at the point of sale using a combination of tread and casing that includes a selected type of tread and a selected type of casing.

  Additional and alternative aspects and features of the disclosed principles will be understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. As will be apparent, the systems and methods disclosed herein for customizing and manufacturing tires at point of sale can be implemented in other and different embodiments and modified in various respects. Is possible. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the scope of the disclosed principles.

1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of an exemplary tire. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system for customizing and manufacturing tires at a point of sale constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart of one embodiment of a method for customizing and manufacturing a tire at a point of sale in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 1 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary tire. 1 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a new tire tread constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 2 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a new tire casing constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic flow chart of the steps of one embodiment of a method for custom manufacturing of a new tire in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 2 is a representative screen display of an embodiment of a graphical user interface of an embodiment of a tire customization system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 2 is a representative screen display of an embodiment of a graphical user interface of an embodiment of a tire customization system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

  In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides a new tire component to a point-of-sale facility for assembly at the point-of-sale facility to create a new tire having specific specified characteristics that respond to customer tire orders. The present invention relates to a distributed manufacturing procedure for new tires, including shipping. The distributed manufacturing techniques disclosed herein can provide commercial benefits such as cost reduction opportunities for inventory reduction, provide tires with improved performance characteristics, and set and identify requirements for customer applications. Providing the technical advantage of being able to be adjusted to meet the driving requirements of the vehicle, and providing customers with customizable tire options.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure describes a method for making customized tires assembled on demand to obtain certain improved performance characteristics at a point of sale base. The method includes providing a set of tire casings manufactured without a tire tread at a point of sale base and maintaining at the point of sale base to provide improved performance characteristics, such as improved rolling resistance. A set of tire treads manufactured without a tire casing to improve performance characteristics such as tire tread wear and wet traction is provided and maintained at the point of sale. Select and combine specific tire treads and tire casings to form customized tires for customers at the point of sale.

  In another embodiment, a system for customizing tire sales points assembled for a customer includes a set of new tire casings manufactured at the point of sale to improve selected performance characteristics. The system also includes a new set of tire treads that are manufactured at the point of sale to improve selected performance characteristics, such as tire tread wear and wet traction, separate from the tire casing. The system further includes a machine capable of assembling a selected tire casing and a selected tire tread to provide a new customized tire at a point of sale. New customized tires are selected, including, for example, at least one of tire rolling resistance, wear resistance, traction capability under different weather and climatic conditions, speed ratings, and driving surface specific features. Can be customized to meet extended standards.

  In another embodiment, a method for producing a customized tire assembled on demand to highlight certain improved performance characteristics at a point of sale base has improved performance, such as improved rolling resistance. Includes providing and maintaining a set of tire casings without a tire tread at a point of sale base to provide properties. A set of tire treads manufactured without a tire casing to provide improved performance characteristics will be provided and maintained at the point of sale. Receive the selected performance characteristics of the final tire at the point of sale base. Based on the selected performance characteristics of the final tire, a tire casing that substantially satisfies the received performance characteristics is selected from the set of tire casings, and a similar tire tread is selected from the set of tire treads. Assemble a customized tire using the selected tire casing and tire tread.

  In another embodiment, a system for customizing tire sales points that are assembled for a customer includes a set of new tire casings that are manufactured to improve selected performance characteristics at the point of sale base. The system also includes a new set of tire treads at the point of sale that are manufactured to improve selected performance characteristics, such as tire tread wear and wet traction, separate from the tire casing. The system is also adapted to display the performance characteristics of the tire casing and tire tread, and receives a user selection of a particular casing and tire tread from the set of tire treads and tire casings based on the performance characteristics. Including a computer system adapted to do so. The system also includes a point-of-sale machine that can assemble a selected tire casing and a selected tire tread to provide a new customized tire.

  Referring to the figures, a system 50 for customizing and manufacturing tires at a point of sale facility is shown in FIG. Tire casing manufacture 52 is separate from tire tread manufacture 54. In some embodiments, the tire casing manufacturing 52 can be performed at one or more manufacturing facilities separate from the one or more manufacturing facilities where the tire tread manufacturing 54 is performed. In other embodiments, casing manufacture 52 and tread manufacture 54 may be performed separately using one or more manufacturing facilities. Manufacturing the casing and tread separately (52, 54) may allow the casing and tread to be made using unique operational steps that improve the performance characteristics of each component, thereby When combined to form a new tire, the new tire may have improved performance.

  The tire casing 52 and tire tread 54 are distributed to point of sale facilities such as an OEM vehicle manufacturer 56, a wholesale collection and delivery center 58, a tire distributor 60, a repair shop 62, or other tire point of sale facilities 59. In the point-of-sale facilities 56, 58, 59, 60, 62, in response to a tire order received from the customer 70 by the point-of-sale facility, a new tire casing 52 and a new tire tread 54 are assembled to produce a new tire. .

  FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the steps of an embodiment of a method 90 for making customized tires at a point of sale facility in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. One or more different types of tire treads are manufactured separately from the tire casing (step 100), and one or more different types of tire casings are manufactured separately from the tire tread (step 200). The tire tread and tire casing can each be manufactured separately to improve certain performance characteristics. The tire tread and tire casing are delivered to a point of sale facility, such as an OEM vehicle manufacturer, wholesale collection and delivery center, tire distributor, repair shop or other point of sale facility (step 300). At the point of sale, a customized tire is created by selecting a specific tread and casing combination based on specific performance and non-performance characteristics (step 400). The point-of-sale facility then combines the selected tire tread and tire casing to form a new tire (step 500), and then transfers the new tire to the customer (step 600).

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a tire 101 that is cured using a conventional manufacturing method. As can be seen from FIG. 4, certain portions of the tire 101 are thinner than other portions of the tire 101. As a result, the specific area 106 of the tire 101 is insufficiently cured, and the specific area 107 of the tire 101 may be overcured. In the illustrated tire 101, the undercured area 106 exists in both the tread 102 and the casing 202, and the overcured area is shown in the tire casing 202. It should be understood that the overcured area 107 and the undercured area 106 are exemplary only and they can occur at other locations as well. The overcured area 107 and / or the undercured area 106 of the tire 101 results in a reduction in performance characteristics such as adversely affecting the rolling resistance of the tire 101, for example.

  Referring now to FIG. 5, manufacturing the tire tread 102 separately from the tire casing 202 is particularly relevant for tires so manufactured using the separately manufactured tire tread 102 and tire casing 202. Benefits regarding performance characteristics can be given. One advantage that can be realized by manufacturing the tire tread 102 separately from the tire casing 202 is to use a different temperature profile than that used when curing the tire tread 102 with the tire casing 202, That is, the tread 102 can be cured. FIG. 4 shows an example of the possible adverse effects of curing a tire as a unit.

  As shown in FIG. 5, manufacturing the tread 102 separately from the casing 202 (again, see step 100 in FIG. 3) may reduce the possibility of overcured areas 107 or undercured areas 106 in the tire. it can. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of zone curing in which the exterior 112 of the tread 102 is cured at a specific temperature 108 and the interior 114 of the tread 102 is cured at a different temperature 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the cure temperature 108 of the exterior 112 of the tire tread 102 is approximately 145 ° C., which is lower than the cure temperature 110 of the interior 114 of the tire tread 102 that is approximately 155 ° C. In other embodiments, the curing temperatures 108, 110 can be different.

  The zone curing performed by the distributed manufacturing method provides additional advantages to manufacturing the tire tread 102 separately from the tire casing 202 and can further reduce the possibility of over-cured or under-cured areas of the tire. . This includes tire durability, tread life, rolling resistance, snow and ice traction, wet traction, fuel usage for highway driving, fuel usage for city driving, and cornering abilities for tires including such tire treads. It can be useful to improve certain performance characteristics, including characteristics.

  The tire tread 102 has a wide variety of styles and sizes of an almost infinite number of different tire tread designs. Thus, it will be appreciated that in different embodiments, different curing profiles may be used for different types and / or sizes of tire treads to produce the desired performance characteristics.

  Next, referring to FIG. 6, a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the tire casing 202 is shown. Similar to the manufacture of the tire tread 102, the tire casing 202 can also be manufactured separately from the tire tread (see again step 200 in FIG. 3). Manufacturing the tire casing 202 separately from the tire tread 102, such as the manufacturing of the tire tread 102, may allow the manufacturer to improve the specific performance specifications of tires including such casing. . These performance characteristics include tire durability, casing life, rolling resistance, snow and ice traction, wet traction, fuel usage for highway driving, fuel usage for urban driving, cornering ability and retrendability, etc. be able to. Some of these performance characteristics can be enhanced by using specially designed materials and specially designed configurations of casing components. Further, similar to the curing of the tire tread 102 described above, some performance characteristics can be enhanced by increasing the ability to cure the tire casing 202 using different curing temperature profiles.

  By curing the tire casing 202 separately from the tire tread 102, as in the case of the tire tread 102, the manufacturer can reduce overcuring and / or undercuring of certain areas of the tire casing 202 so that it is reduced. It may be possible to cure the casing. Further, by curing the tire casing 202 separately from the tire tread, it may be possible to adjust the curing profile to have a positive effect on specific performance characteristics of tires using such casing. .

  FIG. 5 shows an example of curing the casing 202 using different curing temperatures, ie zone curing. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the outside of the casing 202 is cured at the first temperature 204 and the inside of the casing 202 is cured at the second temperature 206. In some embodiments, the first temperature 204 can be different from the second temperature 206. In various embodiments, the curing temperature profile of the casing 202 is different from the curing profile used to cure the tire tread 102 that is combined to form a new tire.

  Another advantage of separately manufacturing the tread and casing can be to shorten the curing time of each component. In some embodiments, the amount of material cured in each component is reduced and the ability to zone cure the tread and casing is increased, thereby reducing the curing time for each component. By reducing the cure time in this manner, the manufacturer may be able to produce more tire treads and tire casings in a given amount of time.

  In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tire casing has a pre-defined thickness where the area of the subtread 17 of the casing is thicker than necessary to achieve a tire of a given circumference when joined to the tread. As such, it is specially manufactured. As will be described in more detail below, the thickness of the sub-tread 17 can be increased, thereby subjecting the casing to a buffing operation on the casing to reduce the thickness of the different thicknesses. It can be adapted to tire treads, which provides customers with a greater ability to customize suitable tires.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a plurality of different types of tire treads 102 and tire casings 202 are each manufactured separately (steps) to improve specific performance characteristics of tires assembled using these components. 100 and step 200). The tire tread 102 and the tire casing 202 are shipped to the sales point facility (step 300). Treads and casings can be monitored for each type of tire tread and casing inventory, and at a point of sale facility, a specific tire tread and casing combination to meet customer tire orders Is preferably stored at the point of sale facility using an inventory management system so that can be easily removed from inventory.

  To facilitate the customer at the point of sale facility selecting a specific tire from a separate tire tread 102 and tire casing 202 and customizing it (step 400), the customer 70 accesses the customization system 402. The customer 70 selects a tire made of a particular combination of a separate tread 102 and casing 202 that is customized for a particular customer application and selected from multiple types of available treads and casings Can do. The customization system 402 is configured as a computer system that includes all the structures and functions necessary to receive and execute computer-executable instructions stored on a tangible medium and configured to implement various functions of the system. can do. The customization system 402 can be accessed at a point of sale and can include a computer system having a processor and a tangible storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, the computer-executable instructions being accessible by the processor, It can be modified or configured at least in part by a user input / output device such as a computer terminal.

  In some embodiments, the customization system 402 is located at a point of sale facility. In other embodiments, the customization system 402 is located at a location remote from the point of sale facility, such as a central location or a local location responsible for multiple point of sale facilities. Each point-of-sale facility can access the customization system 402 via a communication network such as a web-enabled interface, for example. In such embodiments, the customization system 402 may include a user from a home computer, from a mobile device, or from any other device that has an internet connection or other communication connection adapted to communicate with the customization system 402. It can be accessible.

  In some embodiments, customization system 402 includes a user interface. Customization system 402 may allow a customer to select a customized tire in any number of different ways.

  In some embodiments, the customization system 402 includes a physical computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, different types of tire casings that receive customer selection information and produce tires corresponding to the customer selection information and And a processor adapted to execute the computer-executable instructions to present a graphical user interface adapted to determine a list corresponding to a tread and casing combination from different types of tire treads. In various embodiments, the customization selection information includes information regarding at least one tire performance characteristic. In various embodiments, the customization selection information includes information regarding selection of at least one of a tire tread type and a tire casing type.

  In various embodiments, a specific tire identifier is designated for each unique tread and casing combination. The customization system 402 can be adapted to display a list of specific tire identifiers corresponding to customer selection information in a graphical user interface.

  The customization system 402 includes a data storage device that stores inventory information regarding the number of each of the different types of tire casings 202 in the tire casing inventory and the number of each of the different types of tire treads 102 in the tire tread inventory. May be. The customization system 402 corresponds to customer selection information in the graphical user interface and displays a list of specific tire identifiers including the tire tread 102 in the tire tread inventory at the point of sale facility and the tire casing 202 in the tire casing inventory. To be adapted. In this way, it is possible to present to the customer a list of tire options in which the inventory at the point of sale facility is described.

  Although two methods of selecting a customized tire are shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, many other methods can be used in other embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7, the customization system 402 can be used to prompt the customer to enter or select general information about the customer's vehicle, such as vehicle make, vehicle type and / or year of manufacture (406). ). After receiving such basic vehicle information, the customization system 402 should customize the tire based on the selection of tire components (casing and tread) (410) or based on the selected performance characteristics of the tire. The customer can be prompted to decide whether to customize the tire (412).

  If the user chooses to customize the tire by selecting individual components of the tire (412), at step 413, the user interface identifies the components that are at the point of sale and applicable to the customer's particular vehicle. Can be displayed. An exemplary display screen is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, a set of tire tread types each having different performance characteristics can be presented to the user. In FIG. 8, only specific tire performance characteristics are shown, but tread durability, tread life, rolling resistance, snow and ice traction, wet traction, fuel usage for highway driving, fuel usage for urban driving and Any number of performance characteristics, such as cornering abilities, can be displayed by the user interface. Furthermore, the user interface can display any number of non-performance characteristics such as price or tread color. In step 414, the user can select a particular type of tread from the set of available tread types based on performance characteristics and non-performance characteristics.

  Similar to the tire tread selection step 414, the customer can select a tire casing based on specific characteristics. As shown in FIG. 8, a set of tire casing types each having different performance characteristics can be presented to the user. Although only specific performance characteristics are shown in FIG. 8, durability, casing life, rolling resistance, snow and ice traction, wet traction, fuel usage for highway driving, fuel usage for city driving, cornering ability Any number of performance characteristics can be used such as and retrability. In addition, the user interface can display any number of non-performance characteristics such as price and color, for example. In step 416, the user can select a particular casing from the set of available casing types based on performance characteristics and non-performance characteristics.

  In some embodiments, the customization system 402 is responsive to a customer selected tire tread and / or casing to present a subset of casing and / or tire tread types for selection in a graphical user interface. Can fit. For example, in such an embodiment, the customer can disable the ability to select the type of casing based on the desired performance characteristics that are being achieved by selecting a particular type of tread. . In various embodiments, the customer can override the ability to select some types of tire treads based on the desired performance characteristics that are being achieved by selecting a particular type of casing.

  To that end, the customization system 402 is indexed against a series of tire characteristics to provide one or more possible combinations of tire tread and casing to achieve the selected characteristics. A data storage device including a mapping between the type of tire tread and the casing may be provided. The customization system 402 may comprise a logic module adapted to query the data storage device to determine one or more suitable tire tread and casing combinations to achieve the selected characteristics.

  When the user selects a suitable tread and a suitable casing, the user interface may display, for example, at step 418, a diagram relating to the final tire and performance and non-performance characteristics of the final tire. The tire can be assembled at the point of sale based on the selected tread and casing in step 502, described in more detail below.

  Referring again to FIG. 7, as described above, in another embodiment, in step 412, the customization system 402 allows a user to customize a tire based on the performance characteristics and non-performance characteristics of the completed tire. Can be. The customization method can present the user with selectable performance and non-performance characteristics of the finished tire (420), and the customization system 402 can determine the most appropriate tread based on the tire performance characteristics selected by the user. And the casing can be selected. The customization system 402 is adapted to query the data storage device to determine one or more suitable tire tread and casing combinations to achieve selected (one or more) characteristics of the finished tire. Provided logic modules may be provided.

  In some embodiments, the graphical user interface may present a checklist of certain tire characteristics that are available for new tires. In response to the user selecting one or more characteristics, the customization system 402 creates a combination of one or more suitable tire treads and casings that meet the desired characteristics and are in stock at a particular point of sale facility. Can be adapted to present a list of possible tires. The customization system 402 can be adapted to query an inventory management system to determine a suitable tire tread and casing combination.

  FIG. 9 shows an exemplary display screen of a graphical user interface useful for performing this type of customization. As shown in FIG. 9, the user is prompted in step 420 to, for example, durability, rolling resistance, snow and ice traction, wet traction, fuel usage for highway driving, fuel usage for city driving, cornering abilities and retrenders. Specific performance characteristics can be presented, including Further, the user interface may comprise any number of non-performance characteristics such as price and color.

  In various embodiments, the user can use a graphical user interface to enter customer preference information regarding the user's importance regarding a particular characteristic. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the user can evaluate the importance of a set of tire characteristics on a scale of 0-100. The customization system 402 can then use the received customer preference information to select one or more combinations of the tread 102 and casing 202 that meet or are closest to the customer preference information entered by the user.

  The customization system 402 can then present a list of final tires and their corresponding characteristics to the user (424). Also, the list of final tires can be modified based on the usage of specific tire components at specific point of sale facilities. The customer can choose how to rank tires that are similar to the customer-selected characteristics. For example, a customer can rank tires based on selected characteristics, price, or proximity to any other individual characteristic or subset of characteristics. When the user is satisfied with a particular tire, the customer can select that tire and assemble the components that make up the tire at the point of sale facility (see step 502 in FIG. 7). The completed new tire can be delivered to the customer (see step 504 in FIG. 7).

  In some embodiments, a customer can access the customization system 402 graphical user interface via a web-based platform. The customer can make custom tires as described above. The customer can enter geographic information and the customization system 402 uses the geographic information to present a list of nearby point of sale facilities that can produce the tires selected for the customer. Can be adapted. Tire transactions can be completed via a web-based platform, and selected point-of-sale facilities can receive tire orders and begin tire assembly.

  As previously described, the subtread 17 of the casing 202 can be thicker than the subtread of a conventional tire to accommodate tire treads that vary in thickness. Tire treads can vary in thickness based on specific performance characteristics associated with the tread. To ensure that the final tire is the desired overall size for the customer's vehicle (502), the buffer is used to buff the sub-tread 17 to "combine the selected tread and casing". The size of the casing can be reduced to the size and new tires with the desired outer dimensions can be achieved, and buffing the extra subtread 17 further provides a seal between the tread 102 and the casing 202. Exposes an antioxidant rubber layer that can be promoted.

  Once the excess sub-tread 17 is buffed from the casing 202, the casing 202 is ready for assembly with the tread 102. In some embodiments, an uncured bonding layer or cushion rubber is extruded onto the casing surface. The tread 102 is then applied over the uncured bonding layer and the ends of the tread are spliced together. The selected tread 102 and selected casing 202 are then placed in a bonding machine capable of heating and applying pressure to the tire components. In this way, the bonding layer or the cushion rubber is connected to the tire tread 102 and the tire casing 104. Once the tire is removed from the bonding machine, it can be installed in the customer's vehicle or handed over to the customer.

  In a preferred embodiment, the final curing step of the manufacturing process at the point of sale facility (see also FIG. 3, step 500) allows the customer to wait at the point of sale while preparing the customer's unique customized tire. Can be achieved in a short amount of time. In some embodiments, curing of the final tire can be achieved in as little as 1 hour. In other preferred embodiments, point-of-sale facilities are obligated to tire tread and tire casing manufacturers to maintain the quality of tires produced using the methods and systems according to the principles of the present disclosure. .

  In other embodiments, the customization system 402 can interface directly with the customer's vehicle and can select the best tire and casing for the customer based on past vehicle usage characteristics. In such an embodiment, the customization system 402 may include a travel state acquisition unit adapted to acquire the past travel state of the user's vehicle. From the customer driving conditions, the customization system 402 is adapted to select the tire tread 102 and tire casing 202 combination that is most appropriate for the driving needs of a particular user.

  In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing tires on demand at a point of sale base includes maintaining tire casing inventory of a plurality of different types of tire casings at the point of sale base. It also maintains tire tread inventory of multiple different types of tire treads at the point of sale. Receive customer tire selection information at the point of sale. The customer tire selection information includes tire characteristics. Upon receipt of customer information, a tire building apparatus at a point-of-sale facility to produce a new tire having the tire characteristics from a combination of a tread and a casing including a selected type tire tread and a selected type tire casing. To work. The tire characteristics can be selected from the group consisting of tire rolling resistance, wear resistance, traction capability under different weather and climatic conditions, speed ratings, and driving surface specific features.

  In various embodiments, at least one type of tire tread is produced by zone curing the tire tread. Also, at least one type of tire casing can be manufactured by zone curing the tire casing. A new tire can be made by buffing the subtread of the tire casing such that the new tire is within a predetermined dimensional tolerance.

  In various embodiments, a graphical user interface adapted to receive customer tire selection information can be provided. When the customer tire selection information is received, a list corresponding to the combination of the tread and the casing can be determined from different types of tire casings and different types of tire treads, and a tire corresponding to the customer selection information can be manufactured. This list can be presented in a graphical user interface. A selection indicating a particular tread and casing combination in the list can be received and a new finished tire can be produced using the selected particular tread and casing combination.

  In still other embodiments, a graphical user interface can be presented that includes a list of tire treads corresponding to different types of tire treads. From the user, a selection of one of the different types of tire treads can be received. The graphical user interface can display a list of tire casings corresponding to different types of tire casings. From the user, a selection of one of the tire casing types can be received. A new finished tire can be made using the selected tread type and the selected casing type.

  In another embodiment, a method for on-demand manufacturing of tires customized at a point of sale includes maintaining tire casing inventory of a plurality of different types of tire casings at the point of sale. It also maintains tire tread inventory for several different types of tire treads at the point of sale. At the point of sale, customer tire selection information including at least one selected rating corresponding to the tire performance characteristics is received. A particular type of tire casing is selected from a plurality of different types of tire casings and a particular type of tire tread is selected from a plurality of different types of tire treads based on at least one selected rating. . A tire is assembled at the point of sale using a combination of tread and casing that includes a selected type of tread and a selected type of casing. In some embodiments, the rating comprises a fixed-scale numerical score. In various embodiments, tires are assembled at a point of sale within a predetermined time period (eg, within 2 hours) after receiving customer tire selection information.

  Using conventional methods of manufacturing tires, tire dealers need to stock many different types of tires, and many different types of tires need to be stocked in large quantities. Using the method and system according to the principles of the present disclosure, a tire dealer may be able to significantly reduce the tire inventory required to cover the same range of tire types using conventional manufacturing techniques. Tire stores can sell many different types of finished tires by stocking a smaller amount of casing and tread. For example, it may be possible for a tire dealer to stock four different types of casings and four different types of compatible treads, but combining those treads and casings. By matching, it may be possible to sell 16 different types of tires.

  Furthermore, under conventional tire manufacturing methods, significant savings can be achieved by reducing the amount of old tires that must be discarded or sold at a discount. Like many foods, stock vehicle tires have a specific shelf life. Using conventional tire manufacturing methods, tire dealers must stock large quantities of tires that they do not know can sell. Using the method and system according to the principles of the present disclosure, a tire dealer can meet demand from piece parts with less storage stock, with the ability to match treads and casings together based on customer preferences. It may be possible to stock a smaller amount of tire tread and tire casing. Thus, similarly, by using the method and system according to the principles of the present disclosure, tire inventory at point of sale facilities can be reduced over time.

  All references, including publications, patent applications and patents cited herein, are individually and specifically shown as if each reference was incorporated by reference, and is hereby incorporated in its entirety. To the same extent as if incorporated herein by reference.

  In the context of the description of the invention (especially in the context of the claims below) the use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar terms Unless otherwise stated herein or otherwise denied by context, the singular and plural forms should be construed. The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including” and “containing” should be interpreted as open-ended terms unless otherwise stated. (Ie, means but not limited to). Any recitation of a range of values herein is intended to serve merely as an abbreviated way to individually reference each distinct value within the range, unless otherwise specified herein. And each distinct value is incorporated herein as if it had been individually described herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or the exemplary nomenclature provided herein (eg, “...” Etc.) is only intended to make the present invention more clear, Unless otherwise stated, the scope of the present invention is not limited. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

  Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these preferred embodiments upon reading the above description. The inventors anticipate that those skilled in the art will appropriately employ such variations, and that the inventors will implement the invention separately from what is specifically described herein. Expect. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise defined herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims (15)

A system (50) for manufacturing tires at a point of sale facility (56, 58, 59, 60, 62),
Tire casing inventory of a plurality of different types of tire casings (202) stored at the point of sale facility (56, 58, 59, 60, 62);
Tire tread inventory of a plurality of different types of tire treads (102) stored at the point of sale facility (56, 58, 59, 60, 62);
The tire casing (202) of the selected type for producing a new finished tire disposed at the point of sale facility (56, 58, 59, 60, 62) and having at least one predetermined tire characteristic. And a tire building apparatus adapted to combine the tire tread (102) of a selected type with a system for manufacturing tires at point of sale facilities (56, 58, 59, 60, 62) (50).   The at least one tire characteristic includes at least one of rolling resistance, wear resistance, traction capability under different weather and climatic conditions, speed rating, and driving surface specific characteristics of the tire. A system (50) for manufacturing tires at the point-of-sale facility (56, 58, 59, 60, 62) according to 1. A physical computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon; and the different types of tire casings (202) and the different types of tire treads that receive customer selection information and produce tires corresponding to the customer selection information ( A customization system comprising: a processor adapted to execute said computer-executable instructions to present a graphical user interface adapted to determine a list corresponding to a combination of tread and casing from 102) 402)
A system (50) for manufacturing tires at a point of sale facility (56, 58, 59, 60, 62) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:   4. To manufacture tires at a point of sale facility (56, 58, 59, 60, 62) according to claim 1, wherein the customization selection information includes information relating to at least one tire performance characteristic. System (50).   A point of sale facility (56) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the customization selection information comprises information relating to the selection of at least one of a tire tread (102) type and a tire casing (202) type. , 58, 59, 60, 62) for producing tires (50).   A specific tire identifier is specified for each unique tread and casing combination, and the customization system (402) is adapted to display a list of specific tire identifiers corresponding to the customer selection information in the graphical user interface. A system (50) for manufacturing tires at a point of sale facility (56, 58, 59, 60, 62) according to any of the preceding claims.   The customization system (402) relates to the number of each of the different types of tire casings (202) in the tire casing inventory and the number of each of the different types of tire treads (102) in the tire tread inventory. A data storage device storing inventory information, wherein the customization system (402) (i) corresponds to the customer selection information of the graphical user interface; (ii) the point-of-sale facility (56, 58, 59, 60.62) adapted to display a list of specific tire identifiers including the tire tread in the tire tread inventory and the tire casing in the tire casing inventory. 6 point of sale facilities (56, 58, 59, 60, System for producing tires 2) (50). A method (90) for producing tires on demand at a point of sale base (56, 58, 59, 60, 62), comprising:
Maintaining a tire casing inventory of a plurality of different types of tire casings (202) at the point of sale bases (56, 58, 59, 60, 62);
Maintaining a tire tread inventory of a plurality of different types of tire treads (102) at the point of sale bases (56, 58, 59, 60, 62);
Receiving customer tire selection information including tire characteristics at the point of sale base (56, 58, 59, 60, 62);
Upon receipt of the customer information, to produce a new tire having the tire characteristics from a tread and casing combination including the selected type of tire tread and the selected type of tire casing (202). And manufacturing tires on demand at the point of sale base (56, 58, 59, 60, 62), including operating a tire assembly device at the point of sale base (56, 58, 59, 60, 62). Method for (90). The point of sale base (56, 58, 59, 60, 62) according to claim 8, further comprising producing at least one type of the tire tread by zone curing the tire tread (102). A method (90) for manufacturing tires on demand. The point of sale base (56, 58, 10) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising producing at least one type of the tire casing (202) by zone hardening the tire casing (202). 59, 60, 62) for producing tires on demand (90).   11. The method of claim 8, wherein manufacturing the new tire includes buffing a sub-tread (17) of the tire casing (202) such that the new tire is within a predetermined dimensional tolerance. A method (90) for manufacturing tires on demand at the point of sale base (56, 58, 59, 60, 62) according to one paragraph.   12. The tire characteristics of claim 8 to 11, wherein the tire characteristics are selected from the group consisting of rolling resistance, wear resistance, traction capability under different weather and climatic conditions, speed rating, and driving surface specific features. A method (90) for manufacturing tires on demand at the point of sale base (56, 58, 59, 60, 62) according to any one of the items. Presenting a graphical user interface including a list of tire treads (102) corresponding to the different types of tire treads;
Receiving from the user a selection of one of said types of tire tread (102);
Displaying a list of tire casings (202) corresponding to the different types of tire casings on the graphical user interface;
Receiving from the user a selection of one of the types of tire casings (202);
13. The method (90) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising fabricating the new finished tire using the selected tread type and the selected casing type. A method (90) for producing on-demand tires customized at a point of sale (56, 58, 59, 60, 62) comprising:
Maintaining a plurality of types of tire casings (202) at the point of sale base (56, 58, 59, 60, 62);
Maintaining a plurality of types of tire treads (102) at the point of sale bases (56, 58, 59, 60, 62);
Receiving customer tire selection information including at least one selected rating corresponding to tire performance characteristics at the point of sale (56, 58, 59, 60, 62);
A particular type of tire casing (202) is selected from the plurality of types of tire casings (202) based on the at least one selected rating, and a particular type is selected from the plurality of types of tire treads (102). Selecting a tire tread (102) of
Assembling tires at the point of sale (56, 58, 59, 60, 62) using a combination of tread and casing comprising the selected type of tread and the selected type of casing; A method (90) for on-demand manufacturing of customized tires at point of sale locations (56, 58, 59, 60, 62).   The point of sale base (56, 58) according to claim 14, wherein the tire is assembled at the point of sale base (56, 58, 59, 60, 62) within a predetermined time after receiving the customer tire selection information. , 59, 60, 62) for producing tires customized on demand (90).